First I think the idea of camping as playing poor is ridiculous. We go camping for many reasons: to enjoy the outdoors, learn new skills, exercise or sometimes it is the easiest way for large groups such as family gatherings to get together. Camping used to be the cheap way to travel.

My parents were hillbillies from the Ozarks and Ouchitas. They both liked to spend time outdoors and camping was the only way for people working in the city to do so. They taught my brothers and me to enjoy the outdoors as well.

As to the bicycle commuting as a hobby. Is it offensive? My first response is I don't care. I commute because I enjoy it. My secondary reasons for commuting is exercise and saving money. I do have a pickup and drive in on days when I don't feel like commuting. If people find that offensive that's too bad.

That said I have lived with the bicycle as my only transportation. I was not offended by the "rich" riders in super bikes and spandex. Envious of their bikes maybe (I was riding an old schwinn varsity) but why be offended?

I could have afforded a car but my decision was the car would cost more than I wanted to pay for the value. When I started making more money I got a car. I also got cholesterol and fat. Bicycle commuting fixed that.